Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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255. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if a person who has a mixed social welfare record consisting of A, B and D contributions and can satisfy the minimum conditions for a pro rata pension for a person with mixed insurance is entitled to have their pension assessed under the total contribution system, including up to 1,040 ordinary and caring credits; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [62943/22]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I understand my officials have spoken with the Deputy to clarify the information sought in this question.

Pension entitlement can only be assessed on the basis of the eligibility conditions applicable on the date an individual reaches State Pension age.

A pro-rata State Pension (Contributory) pension for an applicant with mixed insurance can be calculated on an interim TCA basis (with provision for 10 years of PRSI Credits and 20 years of HomeCaring Periods, but with a cap of 20 years combined PRSI Credits and HomeCaring Periods).

Assessment for eligibility for a State Pension (Contributory) payment, including a mixed insurance pro-rata State Pension, depends on the individual’s circumstances, including when he or she have reached / will reach State Pension age and their social insurance history.

A contributor who has not yet reached pension age is best advised to maintain their social insurance record as fully as possible over their working life. In the event that a person ceases insurable employment before reaching State pension age, they may wish to consider payment of voluntary contributions. Information about voluntary contributions, including eligibility conditions, is available by writing to Voluntary Contributions Section, Department of Social Protection, Cork Road, Waterford or emailing volcons@welfare.ie.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.